The County Council backed a residential picketing ban Tuesday that would push protesters at least 100 feet away from any "targeted" home in unincorporated areas.

Council members made no comment but are expected to formally approve the ordinance next week. The measure would mirror restrictions imposed by Salt Lake City.

The county's picketing prohibition could muzzle the Utah Primate Freedom Project, which recently resorted to residential rallies in Millcreek Township to oppose the U.'s primate-research methods. The group condemned the proposed ban as an unconstitutional stifling of free speech.

County officials counter that residents should be able to find refuge in their homes from unwanted speech. So while protesters may parade through neighborhoods, the County Council plans to make it unlawful for them to raise pickets outside a specific home.

jstettler@sltrib.com